September 19 Daily Update
Incident: Yakima Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/19/2012
Current Situation: Yesterday was the first day since the start of the Yakima Complex with no initial attack. Crews remain available for initial attacks and will be patrolling the area for new fires. The Wild Rose fire, located in steep terrain, continues to create problems with rolling debris and spot fires. While growth of the fire is minimal, some burning within the interior of the fire is causing occasional columns of smoke. With the rough terrain, an explosives crew is evaluating the eastern portion to determine whether conducting an explosives operation would be beneficial. The fire is currently around 2,000 acres and is threatening approximately 25 homes. However, assessment is still ongoing and the number of threatened structures is subject to change. Other fires within the complex are being evaluated, prioritized and staffed as appropriate.
Weather Outlook: Similar to the day before, a strong high pressure ridge is making temperatures unseasonably warm and conditions dry. Daytime relative humilities are very low with 15% RH in the valleys and 25% RH on the ridges. No precipitation is expected in the next week.
Incident Summary: There are an estimated 75 lightning fires in the Yakima Complex. Fires in the upper elevation areas are being evaluated to determine an appropriate course of action.
Traffic safety: There is significant fire emergency traffic on Highway 97 in the Blewett Pass area and Highway 12 near Rimrock and the Wild Rose Fire. Drivers are advised to use caution, slow down, and expect some delays when travelling in these areas.
Fire Prevention: Make an emergency kit. In the event of an emergency, a kit containing basic items can be very beneficial. This kit will be necessary if one needs to shelter-in-place or evacuate. Assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency, and update annually. Store supplies in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack or duffle bag. Include items such as: 72-hour supply of water (one gallon per person, remember to date the item and replace every 6 months), 72-hour supply of non-perishable food, non-electric can opener, first aid kit and prescription medication, flashlight and plenty of batteries, extra set of car keys, and list of important family information. Don't forget your pets! Include dry pet food, kitty litter and water. For more information, visit http://firewise.org/.
Forest Closures: The Cle Elum Ranger District has issued a closure for French Cabin Trail #1307 and Kachess Trail #1315.
For road and trail closure information contact: Cle Elum Ranger District: 509.852.1100, Naches Ranger District: 509.653.1401 DNR Southeast Region office: 509.925.8522
Cooperating Agencies: Department of Natural Resources, Kittitas Valley Fire Rescue, Kittitas County Fire Districts 1 and 7, Kittitas and Yakima County Sheriff Departments, United States Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.
FIRE STATUS
Acres Burned: 3000
Cause: Lightning
Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding
Closures: Stafford Creek area in Teanaway, and Trails in French Cabin Area (see below)
Containment: 20%
RESOURCES
Crews: 15
Engines: 54
Dozers: 5
Water Tenders: 11
Helicopters: 3
Total personnel: 679
Injuries: 2
